Kansas joins Live Nation mistrial filing
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Kansas is among several states seeking a mistrial in the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation after the company announced a settlement with the Department of Justice.
Why it matters: Live Nation's ownership of Ticketmaster created a monopoly, the DOJ and states contend, allowing them to control prices.
- In the face of the settlement, opponents say that consumers are being shortchanged.
Catch up quick: A group of 40 states formed a bipartisan coalition in 2024 to sue to break up the company alongside the Justice Department.
- The settlement announced Monday would cap service fees at 15% of face value and allow venues to partner with alternative ticket providers, such as StubHub, which could benefit consumers by offering more choices.
- Live Nation also has to divest 13 exclusive booking agreements with amphitheaters nationwide.
By the numbers: While there's no financial component to the settlement, Live Nation set aside $280 million to pay damage claims brought by states.
Zoom in: Kansas is among the 27 states and the District of Columbia filing for a mistrial.
- Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach's office did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
- New York Attorney General Letitia James says the settlement doesn't address the monopoly and would be bad for consumers.
The intrigue: Live Nation's new Morton Amphitheater is nearing completion in Riverside, with a summer lineup including Dave Matthews Band, Train and Chris Stapleton.
- This location is not part of Live Nation's amphitheater divestments.
Ticketmaster, part of Live Nation, did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
- Live Nation has not admitted any wrongdoing.